La Cantina is my favorite hidden gem. Amazing ambiance, great food, and with its distinct Day of the Dead vibe, the low lighting and loud music bodes well for a bit of privacy.
Sitting down face to face, I finally have a chance to really look at her. She’s stunning. I’ve never seen her hair quite so curly. It’s pulled up, showcasing her full face as it cascades down past her shoulders. She’s been reading over the menu for a while, but I can’t imagine she hasn’t noticed me staring.
Say something to her, you weirdo.
“The uh, guac is really good if you, uh, like, um… avocado?” I ask, cringing internally and instantly regretting opening my mouth.
To my surprise, she giggles, and it’s the most fucking beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.
“I like avocado,” she says reassuringly, looking up from her menu. It feels like a rush of warmth anytime she even looks in my direction.
Our waitress walks over to our table, and I don’t miss her hand unnecessarily grazing over my forearm as she pours us water or the way she’s addressing me almost exclusively as she runs through the daily special.
“I think we’ll need a moment,” I say as politely as I can muster.
“Everything is pretty good here, can’t really go wrong,” I let out, nervously trying to fill the empty space between us. Her glance is soft and attentive but hesitant as she nods politely and returns to her menu.
We’re still scanning our options when the waitress returns, giving Mia an obvious once-over before snapping, “Ready to order?” harshly at her.
Mia doesn’t look phased, though, maintaining her composure as she orders her food. The waitress begrudgingly jots it down without so much as a smile until she turns to me.
“And what can I get you,handsome,” she says, batting her eyes, leaning down on the table, seemingly to throw her tits in my face.
Mia diverts her eyes immediately as if she’s the one intruding on something. I think the fuck not.
“Steak tacos,” I say to her gruffly, barely giving her more than a second look.
My eyes remain on Mia before I add, “And we’ll split the chips and guacamole,please.”
“You got it,” she replies, placing her hand again on my forearm before turning and leaving. I snap my arm back off the table, returning my attention to Mia, desperately trying to read her expression.
“Does that happen a lot?” she asks, a mix of something I can’t pinpoint in her voice.
“Uh, not really,” I begin, but decide on sharing the truth with her instead. “Well, sometimes, but you just get used to it I guess. It’s worse when I’m out with the guys, but it happens sometimes.” The truth is, the attention comes whether I like it or not. Unwarranted touches, whispers in my ear, shameless attempts to get my attention… It’s just part of the territory.
She nods, seemingly thinking to herself for a moment before I decide to change the subject. “So, how are you liking it in the city?”
“It’s nice, feels a lot like New York, just with friendlier people.”
“Mm, yeah, similar vibes for sure. Do you miss it?”
“New York?” she asks, as I nod.
“Not much, it feels like a fresh start and it’s so nice living close to my parents again.” I see a little bit of what I’m guessing is embarrassment painting her face. “Lame I know, but it was always just the three of us.”
“It’s not lame at all. It’s nice.” I subconsciously reach over to grab her hand, but I stop myself just short, laying my palm flat on the table.
“Are you close with your family?”
I hesitate, trying to figure out the best way to share something like this on a first date. A grim feeling washes over me the moment it leaves my mouth.
“My mom passed away when I was fourteen and uh, my dad and I aren’t close.” More like I haven’t seen or spoken to him since, well I honestly can’t even remember, but that feels like at least a third date kind of topic.
Her face warps into one of genuine care. This time, she’s the one reaching for me, actually making contact. She rests her hand on mine as she lets out an, “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”Way to kill the mood, Jack.
“It’s okay. I ended up with family friends, uh, Penn Brooks, he’s actually on the team. His parents, they took me in. You may have seen them at family skate when you uh—”
“Body slammed into you?” she asks, clearly noticing my itch to change the subject.